Zhao selected for CAS Future Leaders program

Junyi Zhao was one of 35 graduate students and postdocs selected for the program

Rob Levy 

Junyi Zhao, a doctoral student in the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering in McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, has been selected for the 2024 CAS Future Leaders program.

Zhao, who works in the lab of Chuan Wang, associate professor of electrical & systems engineering, is among a group of future leaders from 13 countries, working at 33 graduate or postdoctoral programs and specializing in a range of scientific disciplines.

Getting accepted in the program has thrilled the McKelvey Engineering student, he said.

“I am filled with immense excitement and honor to have been selected for the prestigious 2024 CAS Future Leaders Program,” Zhao said.

“This program showcases 35 outstanding early-career scientists annually from around the world, who specialize in diverse scientific fields such as sustainable polymers, computer-aided drug design, atmospheric and environmental chemistry and cancer diagnostics.”

A division of the American Chemical Society, the Future Leaders program is known as one of the best leadership learning experiences in science and honors comprehensive research achievements, visions and leadership in broad scientific communities.  

Participants in the program, which will take place in August, will present their research at ACS Fall 2024 in Denver, Colorado; receive a three-year ACS membership; and become a lifetime alumnus of the organization. 

Zhao has had research published in several publications, including Nature Photonics and Advanced Materials.

“My interdisciplinary research encompasses fundamental chemistry investigations, materials innovations, advanced manufacturing, development of novel devices and practical applications,” Zhao said.

“CAS Future Leaders offers early-career scientists the opportunity to participate in leadership and storytelling seminars, learn from industry thought leaders how to present their ideas in an impactful manner, engage in scientific discourse and develop connections with peer scientists from around the world,” said Peter Carlton, CAS Future Leaders program director.

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